"Relentless Energy, Elite Vision, and a Scorer’s Touch"

Jayden Newell

@JaydenNewell17

IG: @Jayden4newell

5’10, 163lbs, Class of 2026

St James College, Queensland, Australia

Jayden plays with a fearless motor and a mindset built for the grind. A high-speed creator with dynamic handles and a natural feel for the game, a floor general who can break a press, slice up defenses, and create for others while keeping the pressure on as a scorer. His explosive first step and vision make him dangerous in transition and out of the pick-and-roll, where he thrives at reading defenders and reacting in real time. Jayden has no problem taking control when things go cold, knowing how to swing momentum by getting downhill, knocking down a big shot, or drawing help and kicking to an open teammate. He defends with pride and intensity, using his speed to stay in front and force mistakes. From full-court pressure to vocal leadership, he brings energy, toughness, and effort every possession.

He recently torched the GBL Gold semi-final for a 45-point double-double, hitting 10 threes and dishing out 11 assists. He followed that up with 27 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals, all while shooting 61% from the floor, continuing to dominate before heading to the U.S. for the Made Hoops circuit with Strive Basketball Australia. During the Recruit Look event, he scored 14 points, adding 9 assists and 2 steals, and 20 points, adding 5 assists and 2 steals, showcasing his grit and bounce-back mindset after a tough first half. Through all the international travel and tournaments this past season, Jayden averaged 17.5 points and 6.7 assists while growing into one of the most exciting guards in his class. He’s added strength, expanded his ability to score through contact, and developed a higher-level understanding of offensive situations. The next evolution is extending his range, mastering counters in pick-and-roll reads, and impacting the game even more off the ball by getting teammates open.

Jayden’s growth isn’t just physical but mental. Once held back by self-doubt, he’s flipped the switch and now operates with a confident, intentional mindset. His leadership as a point guard is grounded in belief, resilience, and the understanding that he sets the tone for his entire team. Lessons from pros like NBL champ Kuany Kuany and Strive coaches Jonathon Mines and Chuck have helped him understand what it takes to reach the next level. He’s embraced adversity as an opportunity to learn and has developed a mindset rooted in controlling what he can, staying steady, and always fighting back. Coaches can expect full effort every time he steps on the floor, talk, energy, and a defensive dog mentality with no excuses.

Coming from a small city in Darwin, Jayden worked his way to Brisbane and now finds himself competing in elite events across the U.S., a path built on relentless work and faith in his ability. He describes himself as a gritty, vocal leader who’s always looking for ways to improve. Off the court, he loves exploring new restaurants in the city and playing piano when he needs to unwind. And while his story has already covered a lot of ground, he’s only getting started.

I assess that Jayden’s mix of speed, vision, shot-making, and leadership makes him a high-value guard who can run an offense, change tempo, and bring a team together. He’s battle-tested across international competition and thrives in pressure situations. Coaches looking for a two-way floor general with grit and heart need to watch closely.

As Jayden continues to build strength and grow his off-ball impact, he’s positioning himself as a complete lead guard ready for the next level. With his confidence growing, expect him to keep rising, leading, scoring, defending, and showing every team he faces exactly how far he’s come. Stay tuned for a monster season ahead.